Ms. Sandy Watkins has been named principal of Innovation Academy, a STEM platform

school jointly operated by Sullivan County and Kingsport City Schools.  While serving as STEM Coordinator in Sullivan County, Ms. Watkins developed an elementary STEM curriculum and coordinated the STEM-enhanced programs at four of the system's schools.  "It is my vision to implement a program at Innovation Academy that will stimulate the growth of STEM throughout the region," said Watkins.

"Ms. Watkins models collaboration in everything she does, and this will be a huge part of the success of the Innovation Academy," said Sullivan County Director of Schools Dr. Jubal Yennie.  "I am confident that her curricular expertise as well as her ability to engage teachers and students in an exciting learning experience will provide the leadership necessary to launch the Platform School.  Ms. Watkins also brings a strong connection with the STEM Hub at ETSU which will benefit the working relationship and strong connection to the statewide STEM network."

In Ms. Watkins' 32 years in Sullivan County Schools, she has also served as a Science Instructional Specialist for grades K-12, Secondary Language Arts Specialist, and as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher.  Ms. Watkins has served as an adjunct teacher at East Tennessee State University and Virginia Intermont College at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Ms. Watkins has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Education with endorsements in Science and Administration.

"I am excited about Ms. Watkins becoming the first principal of Innovation Academy," said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools.  "I have been very impressed with her knowledge and enthusiastic personality displayed throughout the selection process. We now have the school's leader in place, which is another milestone in the creation of the new school. Ms. Watkins and the school's teachers can now accelerate the work necessary to welcome students in August. I know she will do an excellent job and look forward to working with her."